NWSL Roundup

FC Kansas City announced today that midfielder Erika Tymrak has signed a new contract with the team through the 2015 NWSL season.

Erika Tymrak will be hoping to continue to have as much success in 2014(ISI Photos/Brad Smith)

The 2013 NWSL Rookie of the Year had a memorable season, starting in 16 games and finishing with six goals and four assists. Besides establishing herself as a key player for Kansas City, her prowess on the field got her a call up for the U.S. National team where she went on to earn two caps and score her first international goal in San Francisco against Brazil Nov. 10.

Tymrak has also been busy playing in Germany on loan to FC Bayern Munich for the past three months. With a successful and 2013 season under her belt, the new year is looking bright for the young midfielder.

“I had a great first professional experience in Kansas City,” Tymrak told NWSL. “Everything about it made me a better player…the coaching, playing style, and especially the fans. I’m extremely excited about the next season. It is only going to get better.”

Ashley Phillips Chosen as Boston Breakers Assistant Coach

NWSL announced Tuesday that former Boston Breakers goalkeeper Ashley Phillips will be the new Breakers assistant coach and goalkeeper coach for the 2014 season.

Phillips has a lengthy history with the Breakers, playing for them in the WPS in 2010 and the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. The Peabody, Mass native appeared in 11 games for the Breakers this season, closing out the year with a 2-5-4 shutout record.

Ashley Phillips in action for Boston in their shutout match against Sky Blue in July. (ISI Photos/Howard C. Smith)

“I am grateful to the Boston Breakers for giving me this opportunity, and I am excited to work with this coaching staff,” Phillips told NWSL. “I am lucky to be able to grow as a coach under someone like Tom (Durkin) while working with a great goalkeeping group. I look forward to the upcoming season and to continue to have a role in this organization.”

Paul Riley Takes Reigns as Thorns Head Coach

Last week the Portland Thorns announced that Paul Riley will step up as the new head coach for the 2014 NWSL season.

Riley brings with him an years of experience on the pitch, and has spent ample experience coaching at the youth, collegiate and professional levels.

Paul Riley had a very successful campaign in the WPS. (ISI Photos/Howard C. Smith)

The Liverpool native was a professional player himself for 10 years with the Albany Capitals, New Jersey Eagles and Long Island Rough Riders. He was the head coach of the Philadelphia Independence in WPS, leading the team to the championship match in each of the team’s two seasons. The team’s success earned him WPS Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

“It is a fantastic opportunity with a club renowned for its success both on and off the field,” Riley told NWSL. “It’s a great challenge and I look forward to integrating a style of play that fans in Portland will embrace. Portland is a special place for soccer and I share their passion, love and appetite for a creative, attacking style of play.”

About Courtney Lambert

A competitive athlete in her college days, Courtney writes on events happening at state and local level. She has previous experience covering news and writing for the Jacksonville Times Union and graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in journalism.